Ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering why your character just can’t feel realistic? Why you’re rereading a scene and it feels slightly flat—like your character is disconnected from the right emotion?
Well, that’s what I’m hoping to help with. People are weird. Many things cause us to act differently, talk differently, even think differently. We’re complex creatures.
And this makes it kinda difficult to create realistic characters. Because a lot of the time, people contradict themselves. They say they’re scared of spiders, but will buy a mug with spiders on it if it’s cute. They refuse to have things hang off their rear-view mirror because it’s distracting but have 20+ collectable characters in the doors of their cars. They say they find sports boring but will scream murder at the TV if their team does something they consider stupid.
It’s absolutely fantastic! But how on earth can you replicate this with characters?! You don’t have twenty to eighty years to convey the depths of this fictional person’s personality. You have 80,000 words or fewer. And depending on your reader, that may only be an hour.
That’s stressful.
I’m going to tell you how to make it less stressful. Personality theories.
This is probably where you’re scratching your head and asking, ‘how the hell is that LESS stressful?’. And you know what, it ain’t. But the end could be, so that’s gotta be worth something. *ahem*
Personality theories can act as a trusty character map, of sorts. It can help you navigate the landscape of human behavior. Or your character’s behavior. And trust me, understanding these theories is like finding a cheat code to writing characters that readers will love!
About Me
Hi, I’m Ashley Holmquist, the author behind the ARTIFACTS OF ANARCHY series, a young adult fantasy world full of adventure and emotional twists.
When I’m not writing these novels, I work as a Behavior Interventionist. I also have a background in counseling psychology, with four years of training and a few specialized courses in both addictions and child development.
I love incorporating what I’ve learned into my writing. And through my blog, I share tips on how you can bring real-world psychology into your stories to create more authentic characters. So, from the classic “id, ego, and superego” trio to the more laid-back trait theories, we’re about to break down some of the heavy hitters in psychology.
Don’t worry; this isn’t a snooze-fest lecture. I’ll try keeping it light, quirky, and practical so you can whip up some unforgettable characters with a sprinkle of psychological wisdom.
Defining Personality Theories
In order to break down the more… intense personality theories, we’ve got to understand the basics. And you’re probably thinking that I’m being a little corny. But you’d have no idea how many people confuse personality theories with personality types.
Personality theories explain the reason personalities form, change, and how they impact behavior. They are the results of experiments, case studies, and research done on the human behavior field. It’s the unique set of behaviors, experiences, feelings and thoughts that make you you. And while your personality subtly changes over your life, it remains fairly consistent after a certain age.
There are four relevant theories—simply because the others won’t be that applicable to writing characters. Not unless you go into some EXTREME depth about evolutionary theories in your world-building.
The first is trait theories. Trait theory is one of the most popular types of personality theories. It proposes that people’s personalities vary according to which basic traits are more dominant. Those traits are agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience. Each of these has a range. Like a zero to ten. But each one MUST be zero or ten. They have to be extreme.
Then there’s the famous psychodynamic theory. This is the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is your little color buddies, the emotions. They’re super irrational, but more on that later. The ego weighs the pros and cons. It’s the rational part of you that tells those little emotions to settle the hell down. Finally, the superego applies the social norms or your personal values to those rational thoughts. We’ll explore this as one theory to add depth to your characters.
Humanistic theories involve understanding what someone believes gives their life meaning while determining their behavior and thoughts. We’re gonna use this one too. Except this one is kinda fun, especially when we use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Finally, there’s social cognitive theory. This one has multiple different concepts under it. One is behaviorism, which proposes that human behavior is a result of rewards and punishments. This was one of the biggest game changers when I drafted my characters! And I wrote another blog on this too. Want to read more? Head to How to Use Behaviorism Psychology to Write Epic Characters next. Another is social learning theory. And there’s a LOT to this, so I’m gonna skip over this for now. Maybe there’ll be another funky little post about this later.
Now, you don’t need psychology to know that personality is immeasurable. Or that it’s different for everyone. But because it’s so unique, you’ll have to consider all aspects of your character.
Using Personality Theories to Craft Characters
To keep this post from being 1 million words long, we’ll focus only on the psychodynamic theory and the humanistic theory. After we’ve gone over this, you can pick which one is easiest for you to use while crafting your characters.
The id, the ego, and the superego is one of the most well-proven theories despite the vast personalities that make the theory impossible to study. The id of your characters is the instinctive part of the mind. It’s completely subconscious and remains infantile throughout a person’s entire lifespan. The ego of your characters should be the reality of your mind. In other words, your interactive thoughts learned from the outside world. The ego has no concept of right or wrong. Next is the superego of your characters, the morality of the mind, the interactive thoughts learned from intimate relationships. This is in charge of rewards and punishments.
Using A Personality Theories Chart to Flesh Out Your Characters
Personally, I’m a HUGE fan of creating tables. So I’d make something that looks a little like this…

Notice how the id, or the instinct, is boiled down to the absolute raw emotion that the character operates on? Yeah, it makes breaking down your character STUPID EASY. You don’t need to be a psychologist with a Masters in order to use psychology to give characters depth. Keep your plan of action simple and it’ll all make sense.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
LOOK AT THE IMAGE. Look at it. Know the needs from bottom to top. I’ll explain as we go. Don’t worry.

Here’s the thing about the hierarchy of needs. If you don’t have the one underneath, you can’t have the one above. You have to build up from the bottom. Simple as that.
So in the case of a character like Danilo, the protagonist of my fantasy series, ARTIFACTS OF ANARCHY, who lived in a state of desperate survival at the start of the story, he only had the bottom two levels. This impacts his personality because, unlike most of the other characters who didn’t have to struggle with their safety, he has become too independent, which alters how he interacts with other characters.
Obviously, you have the opportunity to strip out the bottom level, the physiological needs. But for the most part, your characters will have these almost always. And unless you have some alien species, this will be the same for all characters.
Next level is safety needs. This is another reason Behaviorism is so important! The environment a character grows up in will determine what their basic safety needs are. For example, Danilo grew up as a conflicted child-soldier. His needs vary drastically from the newest addition to the ARTIFACTS series, Nolein. A prince who has been given everything he ever needed.
Love and belonging are arguably the most impactful need on the hierarchy. Don’t get enough love, and you become self-reliant and hesitant to make connections. If you get enough love, your sense of belonging is fully developed. Most people in the world have this fulfilled enough to build other tiers on top of this. But it’s built like a house of straws. Sorry, but this is probably you–yes, you, the one who is reading this. Don’t worry, this is most people. And probably most of your characters!
Here’s where things get a little more dependant. The instability or stability of the love/belonging tier will automatically be reflected on in the Self-Esteem tier. Love/Belonging built with crumpling bricks? Guess what, so is that personality’s self-esteem.
Now, as with most things, there are exceptions. For supercharged characters like Danilo–who bypassed the love section in the past by learning self-dependence by the Dumptruck load and have chiseled out that section of their hierarchy of needs–they can find confidence and achievements in their own skills to build their own self esteem.
THIS SHOULD NOT MEAN THEY HAVE A CONFIDENT PERSONALITY—no! Bad! They should not be confident in a social situation. They should not be confident in their ability to stand their ground in an argument. They should not see a pretty love interest and be able to approach them. They should be confident in the area where their skills cross over.
Danilo grew up in a very physical atmosphere where violence was heavily encouraged. He had to survive some horrifying things. In a social situation, he’s quick to anger. But near-death, he’s calm and collected, calculating every thought. If someone threatens him with violence, he’s grinning.
There would also be exceptions for characters who are neurodiverse. They may have a really strong love/belonging tier. But their self-esteem tier may not be strong because they struggle socially or mentally or with connecting thoughts or more. Know where your neurodiverse character excels and where they struggle! PLEASE!
Finally, there’s the Self-actualization tier. The top and final tier. This is a character’s morality, creativity, acceptance, purpose and meaning. Personally, I think most of this should be developed when your character is reaching the height of their arc.
Personality Theories in Character Relationships
We’re gonna use the above ID, EGO, SUPEREGO chart image to discuss this. Because it’s the easiest way to explain how personality theories interact. Bear with me for a hot second.
Danilo’s Relationships
As we discussed for Danilo, unlike most of the other characters who didn’t have to struggle with their safety, he has become too independent, which alters how he interacts with other characters.
Id (Anger)
His instinctive anger likely creates tension with others, particularly those who challenge his view that the world deserves punishment. This raw anger could push him into aggressive conflict with those who do not share his outlook, such as Enzo or Nolein.
Ego (The world deserves punishment)
His belief that the world deserves to suffer could lead to conflicts with characters like Enzo, who still holds onto the belief in helping others. Danilo may feel misunderstood or opposed by those with a more optimistic view.
Superego (Not all people deserve punishment)
This part of Danilo could give him the ability to connect with others, like Nolein, who also understand that entitlement and power must be earned. This understanding can also create a subtle respect for characters like Arsenio, who fight to protect what he values, even though their views on the world are different.
You can see in the following excerpt from Dagger of Mara, Artifacts of Anarchy book 3, how this subtle respect would come into play…
“You’re him.” Nolein says, voice low to prevent the words from echoing to Liander’s ear. He shakes his head in a self-reprimanding way. “You’ve always been him. Haven’t you?”
Danilo is unsure whether Nolein means his father or the Lieutenant Commander. But it didn’t matter. As far as Danilo was concerned, they were one and the same.
“I try not to be,” Danilo admits, thumbing his scar. “He was never concerned about me.”
And it wasn’t until the words escaped him, finally free in the air, that Danilo realizes how much pain it caused to keep that admission within. His soul shudders with relief.
Nolein knocks Danilo’s hand away from his face, glaring at every possible corner of his expression. The princeling watches for a ripple in Danilo’s still surface. Danilo waits for the rock that will break it.
DAGGER OF MARA, Artifacts of Anarchy 3
Enzo’s Relationships
Id (Sadness)
Enzo’s deep-rooted sadness may cause him to bond with others who have experienced pain, like Danilo and Sigrid, creating a bridge of empathy. However, it could alienate more carefree characters like Nolein.
You can actually see this in the continuation of the above excerpt…
The front door of the Sapienti House opens differently for Enzo. Subconsciously, Danilo wonders if it’s because the wood responds to the water of his touch. But because it opens differently, it also closes differently. No bang mocks the house’s dwellers, no groan calls to those hidden in its depths. Nothing makes Enzo’s appearance known except for the gentle rub of wood against wood—succumbing to the pressure of perfect force.
Not unlike the man himself.
Nolein refuses to break his stare when Enzo steps into the commons, the Stormthrower stiffening in the edges of Danilo’s peripheral. After a second, Danilo thinks the refusal may be from a lack of noticing rather than stubborn will. Liander abandons his task to shuffle to Enzo’s side.
Danilo swallows tightly, noting an unidentifiable shadow amid the small gathering at the doorway of Enzo’s study. But this standoff with Nolein feels paramount to all else. As if breaking this fragile agreement will create a gaping hole in reality.
Enzo steps forward, and Liander seizes him. Danilo tensed and Nolein’s stiff posture shatters, realization dawning in his black eyes. He sniffs, turning to Enzo with a timid and tired smile.
“Hey, master.” He says loosely, as if the term were nothing but a nickname. Enzo squints at him but allows Nolein to leave. Danilo watches him go.
DAGGER OF MARA, Artifacts of Anarchy 3
Ego (The world is doomed)
Enzo’s belief in the inevitability of the world’s collapse could fuel deep conversations with Danilo, who shares a grim outlook, but lead to friction with Nolein’s more joyful and playful nature.
Superego (Helping others)
Despite his sadness, Enzo’s moral compass compels him to help others, which could create tension with Sigrid, who is more driven by anger. It also aligns him more closely with Arsenio, who fights to protect what matters to him, even in a hostile world.
Nolein’s Relationships
Id (Joy)
Nolein’s instinctive joy might create a natural conflict with Danilo and Sigrid, whose anger clashes with his playful view of the world. He may find it difficult to relate to Enzo’s sadness.
Ego (The world is a playground)
Nolein’s perception of the world as a place to explore and enjoy could bring a refreshing energy to the group, yet it may be perceived as naïve or reckless by Danilo and Sigrid. His outlook could, however, endear him to Arsenio, who may admire Nolein’s ability to find joy in a dangerous world.
Superego (Earning entitlement)
Nolein’s understanding that not everything can be taken without earning it could be a key to developing respect between him and Danilo or Arsenio. This shared belief in the importance of effort might balance his more carefree approach with deeper relationships.
Arsenio’s Relationships
Id (fear)
Arsenio’s fear of losing everything could make him deeply empathetic to Danilo’s anger and Sigrid’s refusal to lose, as they all share a sense of defiance against the world. His fear may also distance him from Nolein’s carefree attitude, creating tension in their relationship.
Ego (The world takes everything)
This belief could lead to a camaraderie with Danilo, as both may agree that the world is harsh and unjust. However, it could create a divide with Enzo, whose desire to help others may seem futile to Arsenio.
Superego (Fighting for what matters)
Arsenio’s determination to fight for what’s important could lead to deep bonds with Enzo, whose moral compass compels him to help, and even Danilo, who believes some people should be spared. His sense of responsibility and strength would likely clash with Nolein’s carefree attitude, but might earn his respect over time.
Sigrid’s Relationships
Id (anger)
Sigrid’s anger-driven instincts mirror Danilo’s, likely leading to both conflict and mutual understanding. They might see each other as kindred spirits while also clashing over the details of their worldviews.
Ego (The world causes suffering)
This belief aligns with Danilo’s and Arsenio’s negative worldviews, making her more likely to form alliances with them. However, it may clash with Enzo’s desire to help others and Nolein’s joyful approach.
Superego (Refusal to let the world win)
Sigrid’s determination could lead her to respect characters like Arsenio, who also refuses to back down. Her intense willpower may clash with Enzo’s more empathetic approach and Nolein’s lighter view, but over time, she could develop a grudging respect for their persistence in the face of hardship.
Summary: For You To Use As Reference
Danilo and Enzo: Likely strained by their differing responses to the cruelty of the world—Danilo punishing, Enzo helping—but they might develop a reluctant respect for each other.
Nolein and Danilo/Sigrid: Joy and anger collide here, with the potential for playful conflict or eventual growth through understanding.
Arsenio and Sigrid: They might form a strong bond over shared resilience and refusal to give in to the world’s harshness.
Nolein and Enzo: They might offer each other a balance between joy and sadness, creating a deeper understanding despite initial differences.
If this is still wildly unclear, make sure to drop a very prominent ‘HELP!!!!’ in the comments and I’ll continue to explain this further.
How You Can use personality theories to improve how readers perceive your characters
By leveraging personality theories like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, you can develop characters that are relatable, complex, and memorable. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Start with the basic needs. Every character should begin with a foundation rooted in basic human needs. Maslow’s hierarchy starts with physiological needs (food, water, shelter), followed by safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. When you establish where your characters stand within this hierarchy, you can better understand their motivations and behaviors.
For instance, consider a character like Danilo, who begins his journey in a state of survival. His desperate circumstances shape not just his actions, but also how he interacts with others. By starting with a clear picture of a character’s basic needs, you lay the groundwork for their personality and growth.
Explore safety and environment—aka BEHAVIORISM
As you develop your characters, think about their backgrounds. What threats did they face? How did their environment shape their beliefs? By exploring these factors, you create characters whose reactions and decisions feel authentic to readers.
Explore the character’s critical relationships
To create relatable characters, consider their emotional landscapes. Are they yearning for connection? Do they struggle to open up? Highlighting these struggles will endear them to readers who may see their own experiences reflected in your characters.
Show the impact of self-esteem
The stability of a character’s love and belonging needs influences their self-esteem. Characters with shaky foundations in love may exhibit low self-esteem, affecting how they engage with the world. This dynamic can create rich storytelling opportunities, showcasing their internal conflicts.
Embrace complexity and exceptions
While personality theories provide a helpful framework, remember that characters should be complex and multifaceted. Characters like Danilo may bypass certain needs, like love, due to their circumstances. Instead of making them overly confident, depict their unique strengths and weaknesses, especially in various contexts.
For neurodiverse characters, for example, they might have a strong love/belonging tier but face challenges with self-esteem. Recognizing these complexities adds depth, helping readers connect with the character on multiple levels.
As characters evolve, their journey toward self-actualization—the realization of their potential and purpose—becomes a compelling focal point. This tier represents a character’s morality, creativity, and acceptance, providing a satisfying arc for readers to follow.
Ensure that your characters grow in ways that reflect their needs. As they confront challenges and achieve personal milestones, readers will root for them, feeling invested in their transformation.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, folks! By exploring personality theories, you’ve unlocked a treasure trove of tools to craft characters that leap off the page and into readers’ hearts. Remember, every character you create is a unique blend of experiences, needs, and quirks, just like the rest of us. So go ahead, let their complexities shine and make them feel real.
If you found this journey into psychology helpful, why not stay in the loop? Subscribe to my email list for updates packed with psychology tips that will elevate your character game to the next level! Let’s create some unforgettable stories together—because who doesn’t want characters that readers can’t stop thinking about?

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